In the summer of 1776, the Americans built two fortifications on opposite sides of the Hudson River, for the defense of New York and the Hudson River Valley. Work on the New Jersey side began in July on a site first named "Fort Constitution," but soon changed to "Fort Lee," to honor General Charles Lee, who had won a recent victory at Charleston, South Carolina. On the high ground of northern Manhattan opposite Fort Lee, work had begun on another fort, called Fort Washington.

On August 22, the British landed on Long Island and five days later forced the Americans to retreat to New York. In September, the British took New York and the rest of Manhattan-except for Fort Washington. Then, on November 16, Fort Washington fell to an overwhelming assault by British forces, which captured over 3,000 American troops. Washington ordered General Nathanael Greene, the commander at Fort Lee, to begin preparations to evacuate. But in the early hours of November 20, a British force led by Lieutenant General Charles Cornwallis was ferried across the Hudson to New Jersey for a surprise attack on Fort Lee. Some 5,000 men made the crossing in flatboats, and then climbed the Palisades under cover of darkness along a primitive farm road. Washington got word of the impending assault before the British reached Fort Lee and ordered an immediate retreat, to save his army from being cut off and captured. The fall of the fort cost the Continental Army many cannon, tons of supplies and 2,000 abandoned head of cattle, and completed the British conquest of New York.

At the north end of this park, two overlooks command spectacular views of the George Washington Bridge, the Hudson River and the Manhattan skyline. (Restrooms and drinking fountain available in season.) In the southern portion of the park, winding trails lead to the historic section of the grounds, with reproduction gun batteries and firing steps. Opposite the battery, reconstructed 18th century huts, an impressive selection of reproduction artillery pieces, a well, woodshed and baking oven, serve as the focal point for interpretive programs. At the Visitors Center, two floors of audiovisual displays, exhibits and programs tell of the fort and Washington's retreat.



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